The Map Flint team uses data to answer questions about the Greater Flint community. Our team works with faculty and students to collect, analyze, and report back to the community. Projects are accepted based on community interest, timeliness, availability of data, faculty expertise, and available resources. Interested in working with us on a project? Please contact Sara McDonnell to discuss your ideas.

In this report, the researchers investigated the demographics and amenities within the City of Flint and within each of the 9 wards located in the city limits. Data from the US Census Bureau, ReferenceUSA, and the City of Flint were used to complete the profiles.

The population in Flint has approximately 100,000 people, is about 55% African-American and 39% white, with a median age of 36 years old.

Ward 8 is the largest ward by square miles, mostly due to Bishop International Airport being located within the ward. Ward 3 is second largest but also has a large commercial property (most of Buick City) located within the ward boundaries.

Wards 1 and 2 have the highest percentage of African-American population. Wards 4 and 8 have the largest white populations. Ward 4 also has the highest Hispanic population within the city.

Ward 1 has the oldest population (median age of 39 years old) and Ward 5 and 8 have the youngest populations (median age of 33 years old).

Ward 8’s population has the highest average median household income at $32,300. Ward 3 has the highest poverty rate (50%), although the other wards range from 35% to 43%.

Ward 5 has the highest number of vacant lots in the city. Ward 3 has the highest percentage of poor or substandard property conditions. Ward 5 also has the highest number of commercial properties.

Student mobility can be an issue in many urban areas where the population is predominantly minority and are low-income.

Schools districts in Genesee County and, specifically, Flint Community Schools have declined in student population recently.

During the period of declining student population in Flint Community Schools, the amount of students that reside within the school district and are enrolling elsewhere has increased. A majority of these students are attending public school academies or charter schools, especially grades K-8. In high school, a majority of students that enroll elsewhere are attending another public school district.

Recommendations for further analysis include the following: student level monitoring of where they are going,after-school program attendance, and test score performance before and after moving schools; examining changes in school or district policies and opening/closing of schools; investigate socioeconomic factors of families in the region; continued analysis on student data presented in the report.